AMERICA/HAITI - Tensions remain high, second round of elections on 16 January

Port-au-Prince (Agenzia Fides) - The situation in Haiti, following the presidential elections on 28 November, remains uncertain and extremely tense, with some serious disturbances. After announcing the names of candidates elected for the second round, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) released a statement announcing that the records for the elections are to be checked. Candidates for the second round are Mirlande Manigat and Jude Celestin, while candidate Michel Martelly, who came third in the number of votes will not go into the ballot.
The announcement made on 7 December has triggered a series of manifestations in different parts of the Country. The most serious disturbances were reported in the southern city of Les Cayes, a stronghold of Martelly supporters. A former senator, Gabriel Fortune, declared Kiskeya Radio, that three youths were killed while taking part in attacks against the headquarters of an electoral office, protected by the Blue Berets of Minustah, the UN mission in Haiti, and against a police station. Another young man was killed in Cap-Haïtien in the north, in clashes between activists of opposing factions. There has also been violence in the cities of Léogâne, Miragoane, Jacmel and in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Protesters denounce fraud in the electoral process and accuse the outgoing president, Rene Preval and the CEP of manipulating the election results.
According to figures released by the CEP, Manigat received 31.37% of the vote and Jude Celestin 22.48%. The CEP announced that the review of documents relating to the vote will be conducted by a joint committee composed of representatives from the Council and candidates. The second round of presidential elections is scheduled for 16 January. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2010)